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Scaffold Collapse Accidents in Pennsylvania & New York Injure Several Workers
Over the last few days, there have been two scaffold collapse accidents in Pennsylvania and New York which resulted in multiple injuries.
The first one happened last week in Philadelphia when a scaffold collapsed in Old City, Philadelphia. According to a local news article, the scaffold was in use on a residential site where workers were performing facade work. The scaffold collapsed after succumbing to the weight of fallen bricks.
Two workers were treated for injuries, none of which were life-threatening. According to the news report, the two workers were using fall protection, which is what saved them from falling to the ground below. Fortunately, no individuals below the scaffold, including workers and pedestrians, were injured or killed. Source: 6abc.com, 2 workers hurt in scaffold collapse in Center City Philadelphia (accessed on June 26, 2017).
Related: PA & NJ Workplace Scaffolds & Fall Protection Scaffold fall accidents are often fatal. This is especially true when workers do not use fall protection as required by OSHA.
The scaffold collapse accident in New York happened on June 26, 2017 in Queens near the Queensboro Plaza. At least 6 workers were injured and some sustained serious injuries. It’s unclear how the scaffold collapsed.
Scaffold Collapse Accidents – Financial Compensation for Injured Workers & Their Families
Scaffold collapse accidents are 100% preventable and often happen due to the failure to follow OSHA regulations related to scaffold construction. Whether it’s because of a violation of scaffold bracing requirements or scaffold load/weight regulations, workers and innocent bystanders often suffer major injuries.
Workers who have suffered serious injuries often make workers’ compensation claims to cover medical bills and receive wage loss benefits (indemnity) if the injuries result in a temporary or permanent disability. However, workers’ comp benefits are hardly enough to keep an injured worker and his or her family financially secure.
For example, a worker injured in a scaffold collapse accident suffers a fractured leg and spinal injuries. Despite surgery for the leg and physical therapy, the worker is unable to bend his knee fully and has difficulty standing for long periods of time. He cannot resume his work duties as a construction worker. His pre-accident weekly earnings totaled $1,200. While out on comp, he receives roughly $800 per week, leaving a deficit of $400 per week or $1,600 per month, the cost of his monthly mortgage. After a few months, savings are exhausted, and the family faces the possibility of losing their home.
This example is very common of all injured workers who suffer major injuries. What many injured workers don’t know is that they may have legal rights to financial compensation over and above workers’ compensation benefits.
Non-employer parties such as contractors and subcontractors may be liable for an injured worker’s injuries, including pain and suffering. In a scaffold accident case, the scaffold owner or scaffold construction company may be liable for a defective scaffold. That’s why it is crucial to have a work injury lawyer review the case immediately. Having the case and scaffold investigated quickly helps to secure the injured worker’s legal claims.
Visit the scaffold accident law library for more info.
Scaffold Accidents Handled by Our Work Injury Lawyers
Our work injury lawyers have decades of experience handling work injury claims including scaffold accident injuries. Our lawyers have obtained over $150 million for injured workers. Contact our firm for a free consultation. (866) 641-0806
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
